Manchester United have been really dangerous from set-pieces this season, and Ruben Amorim has now hailed one unknown contributor.
This season has seen Manchester United significantly more dangerous from set-pieces than last campaign.
It was clearest when United beat Crystal Palace 2-1, courtesy of two goals from set-piece situations, shooting the Red Devils to joint top in the Premier League with 10 this season.
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After looking so hopeless at times from set-pieces in the Premier League last season, it has been massively beneficial for United and coincided with the improved form.
Now, Ruben Amorim has spoken about the factors behind these improvements.
Ruben Amorim in Manchester United attire during loss to Everton.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim praises set-piece improvements at Manchester United
Only Arsenal have scored more set-piece goals than Manchester United this season, which is good company for United to keep.
Speaking during his pre-West Ham press conference, as quoted by club media, Amorim spoke about who has contributed to United’s improved set-pieces.
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“First of all, it’s a group thing, and we improve a lot in that department. There’s nothing to do with me, so I’m really upset with that”, Amorim joked.
“But we have analyst Kaita [Hasegawa] who’s doing all the study. We have the data guys that we brought that give us information, and then Carlos [Fernandes] is doing the research, seeing all the opponents, all the moments of the opponents, watching all the trainings, all our games, and what we need to improve.
“Then we have training, and then we have to prepare a specific exercise for him, but that is normal in any squad, but I think they are, not just Carlos, but all the guys are doing a massive job.
“And, in this league, set-pieces can win you games or you can lose if you don’t pay attention to that. And I’m really pleased with the job that they are doing.”
Amorim then discussed the impact extra time on the training ground has had on set-pieces.
“So, you have more time for corners, free-kicks, and you can create like real game situations this year, and that helps if you train more time, you will improve, that is normal.”
In the summer, United let set-piece coach Andreas Georgson leave and the impact has been positive. Now, the Swede finds himself sat on Thomas Frank’s bench at Tottenham.
West Ham are vulnerable from set-pieces
United’s set piece record has been under heavy praise this week, and the improvements have been noted at the perfect time ahead of facing a West Ham side who struggle.
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Manchester United predicted line-up to face West Ham / created using GRV Media line-up tool.
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This season, West Ham have been the worst team in the league for defending set-pieces, conceding 10 goals of their 27 from dead-ball situations.
Amorim will know all about their record and be eager to add to that this Thursday at Old Trafford, with plenty of big players who can pose threat, or the likes of Mason Mount who can find the bottom corner from outside the box.
This might be the smartest avenue for United to seal an easy victory over West Ham and push up toward the Champions League positions.
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